About UpBeat
UpBeat Music and Arts is a non-profit organization founded in 2013 by Scott Barbeau, a professional musician currently playing with 16 Candles Band. Scott had a vision of providing accessible, high-quality music education and mentoring to Chicago youth.
The organization started with 5 students and now serves over 300 annually through private lessons, group classes, summer camps, rock ensembles, and partnerships. In 2022, UpBeat also provided over 110 scholarship to under-resourced students who love music.
UpBeat’s mission is to help students reach their full potential in life THROUGH music. This is more than a music lesson, as students gain self-confidence and develop skills that last a lifetime. In addition to learning the fundamentals of music performance and theory, students learn life lessons such as accountability, discipline, kindness, and humility.
UpBeat continues to grow and partner with local organizations, build community, expand the mentoring program and provide this opportunity to as many students as possible. Music is a powerful tool and this committed, talented UpBeat staff is grateful and inspired to have the opportunity to work with our young musicians and leaders.
Our curriculum, values, and teachers make the difference.
The UpBeat teachers are not only outstanding musicians, but can really relate to young people. Students learn life lessons such as accountability, discipline, respect, kindness, and humility through fun and interactive lessons. Individual and peer-based, small group learning environments help facilitate social and emotional growth. In addition to learning the fundamentals of music performance and theory, students gain self-confidence and build self-esteem.
About our Location
UpBeat was located at 4318 W. Irving Park Ave. for 8 years and it served as a wonderful home. After taking over a second storefront and doubling in size, the organization quickly outgrew this space and decided to move in April 2020.
After 14 months of virtual lessons for over 180 students, UpBeat moved into Irving Park Lutheran Church (IPLC) and began giving in-person lessons again in May 2021. IPLC currently serves as the temporary UpBeat Studio and we are thankful for this partnership.
We are excited to announce that we will be moving into a new location on the 4900 block of North Elston Avenue! Until we finish building out this space, we will continue providing lessons out of the Irving Park Lutheran Church.